Since Madonna and other Hollywood divas began singing this treatment’s praises, the oxygen facial has been a hot commodity at spas. This skin treatment is the perfect way to spiff up the complexion before a red carpet event or a photo shoot. It can also be used to reduce breakouts and diminish the look of fine lines and wrinkles. Sounds great, right? If oxygen facials sound like a treatment that you would like to try, read on for facts on what exactly these treatments entail and how to use them to your fullest advantage.

The Theory Behind the TreatmentOxygen is necessary for life, but it is also an important factor in maintaining young, healthy skin. When our bodies do not receive enough oxygen, the result can be skin that looks less than its best as the aging process begins to take its toll. Because of environmental factors like pollution and the fact that oxygen cannot reach our skin as effectively as we age, we begin to notice fine lines, a reduction of collagen and a complexion that is less than radiant. That's when a literal burst of fresh air can make all the difference and make skin plumper, more hydrated and glowing. For many people, this means a trip to the salon for an oxygen therapy facial that will breathe new life into aging skin. But before you ring up your favorite day spa for one of these treatments, get the lowdown on exactly how the oxygen facial works.

The Oxygen Facial ProcessWhen you make an appointment for one of these facials, you will usually come face to face (literally) with an oxygen facial machine that uses a technology known as Pressure Swing Absorption separation, which concentrates the oxygen to make it more effective.

Prior to the treatment, your face is cleansed and exfoliated to prepare it for the blast of oxygen that is to come. A hyaluronic serum is frequently used in tandem with the oxygen, although the formula of the serum will vary from salon to salon. Most contain moisturizing ingredients and a variety of vitamins that nourish the skin. Some salons will even offer a choice of serums so you can find the formula that will best meet your unique needs. For example, some formulations will focus on anti-aging benefits while others will primarily brighten the complexion.

The serum and the oxygen are applied to the skin via a small wand that is attached to the oxygen facial machine. The wand blows the ingredients of the serum and the pure oxygen onto your skin in cool puffs. The oxygen helps the serum work into the skin quickly and effectively, so the skin dries rapidly as the wand is moved around the face. The entire experience is soothing and relaxing, taking about an hour to complete. Results are almost instantaneous; most people report that they can immediately notice a difference in the skin’s overall appearance.

Another perk is that the oxygen continues to work for days after the procedure is complete, plumping and firming skin for a salon treatment that keeps on giving.

The Benefits of Oxygen Therapy FacialsThese hyperbaric oxygen facials have become the rage in Hollywood, with spas throughout the region providing their own version of this treatment.

California isn't the only place to indulge; you can now find salons offering oxygen facials coast-to-coast. This is good news for people who love the benefits of smoother, plumper skin and a more radiant appearance. Intraceuticals, the company credited for developing this treatment, state on their website that an oxygen facial can:

* Counter the effects of free radicals in our environment * Moisturize the skin by replenishing a natural lubricant * Nourish the skin with vitamins that it needs * Restore skin's elasticity for a more youthful appearance

There are plenty of good reasons try an oxygen facial a try. The first step to booking a treatment is finding out which salons offer them and how much they cost.

Oxygen Facials at the SpaDay spas are a popular place to get an oxygen facial, but they do come with a hefty price tag. Depending on the salon you visit and the type of facial that you choose, you could spend anywhere from $80-$160 per session. Many spas will recommend a series of six oxygen facials to start and then less frequent treatments for maintenance.

For Hollywood divas – like Molly Sims and Gwyneth Paltrow – who need to look their best for the red carpet, those prices may not seem like much. For the rest of us, shelling out the big bucks for plumper, firmer skin may be a bit harder to justify. Fortunately, there are alternatives that offer the benefits of oxygen treatments without the high price tag.

Oxygen Facials at HomeCompanies that have seen the popularity of the oxygen facial in the salon are now offering more affordable home options. The oxygen facial system by Verseo comes with an oxygen pen that uses a direct, high frequency current bulb applied to the skin to offer enriched oxygen to the face. This kit also comes with skin care products such as cleansing milk and moisturizing cream, which are designed to work with the oxygen pen for the best results. You can find this kit at asseenontv.com.

Intraceutical, the original manufacturer of the O2Intraceutical Oxygen Facial Machine also has a home version available, although most agree it is not as powerful or effective as the models used in the salon. Still, for a quick touch up, these home machines are reasonably priced and fairly easy to use, making them a good option to consider.

Oxygen Facial ProductsOxygen facial products have also come on the market since the demand for salon treatments increased. Karin Herzog offers a line of oxygen skin care products at alphabeauty.com for every skin type.

Some lines are specifically designed as anti-aging products while others are particularly effective at keeping breakouts at bay. Neaclear provides oxygen facial products at neaclear.com and includes other skin care products such as an oxygen-based hand cream.

A favorite name in the beauty industry is Sephora (sephora.com), and this company doesn’t disappoint with an oxygen infusion night cream that will leave your skin glowing in the morning. Finally, Oxygen Plasma Potion by Ling Skin Care is suitable for any skin type and can be found at lingskincare.com.

For more radiant skin, there is nothing better than a breath of fresh air – or a puff of pure oxygen. If you have been searching for a new path to a healthier complexion, give an oxygen facial a try. Most women who indulge in this treatment see plumper, smoother skin as soon as the process is complete. As an alternative to the salon visit, check out your choices in home oxygen facial systems or try beauty products that use oxygen as an ingredient for a similar effect. Clean, fresh air – and skin – never looked so beautiful.

Are You Skin-Care Savvy?The skin is a living, breathing organ, and what you don't know about taking care of it could keep your complexion from looking fantastic. If your skin-care knowledge could barely fill a pillbox, you need a refresher course. Do you know how to put your best face forward? Find out now with our skin care quiz.